question 6 for the case study

Jack spent two months looking at the problem and simply could not come up with the solu- tion needed. Jack decided to inform Mark that a solution was not possible. Both Jack and Mark were disappointed that a solution could not be found. "I know you're the best, Jack," stated Mark. "I can't imagine anyone else even coming close to solving this critical problem. I know you put forth your best effort and the problem was just too much of a challenge. Thanks for trying. But if I had to choose one of your coworkers to take another look at this project, who might have even half a chance of making it happen? Who would you suggest? I just want to make sure that we have left no stone unturned," he said rather glumly. Mark's words caught Jack by surprise. Jack thought for a moment and you could practi- cally see the wheels turning in his mind. Was Jack thinking about who could take this project on and waste more time trying to find a solution? No, Jack's wheels were turning on the subject of the challenging problem itself. A glimmer of an idea whisked through his brain and he said, "Can you give me a few days to think about some things, Mark?" he asked pensively. Mark had to keep the little glimmer of a smile from erupting full force on his face. "Sure, Jack," he said. Like I said before, if anyone can do it, it's you. Take all the time you need. A few weeks later, the problem was solved and Jack's reputation rose to even higher heights than before. QUESTIONS 1. Was Mark correct in what he said to get Jack to continue investigating the problem? 2. Should Mark just have given up on the idea rather than what he said to Jack? 3. Should Mark have assigned this to someone else rather than giving Jack a second chance, and if so, how might Jack have reacted? MANAGEMENT FUNCTIONS 4. What should Mark have done if Jack still was not able to resolve the problem? 5. Would it have made sense for Mark to assign this problem to someone else, if Jack could not solve the problem the second time around? 6. What other options, if any, were now available to Mark? Source: 2010 by Harold Kerzner. Reproduced by permission. All rights reserved